Resident urges Scranton to investigate alleged underground water erosion near Robinson Park

Resident Chris Matthews (identified in public comment as speaking from the area near Robinson Park) told the council he had met with the Department of Public Works director and a city engineer about persistent groundwater and suspected underground water erosion near his property.

Matthews said the area was historically mined and that the neighborhood sits on reclaimed mine land; he said a nearby air shaft was filled in 2005 and that prior mining (he named Spunk's/Mountain Lake coal companies) removed large quantities of coal decades earlier. He told the council he believes groundwater emerging about 800 feet from his house has eroded soil under curbing and that a six-foot curb gap left in the neighborhood provides a concentrated egress where water pours into the ground.

Matthews said his attempts to draw city attention were ignored, that an engineer and the DPW director had downplayed his evidence, and he requested a formal investigation and water testing at Mountain Lake run-off locations. A council member (Tom Shuster) acknowledged the concern and said he would ask administration whether the city had undertaken water testing at Mountain Lake and whether the city would pursue testing. The council requested follow-up from the administration.